1984 xj 550

[Alive]

I have just volunteered to fix a friends bike.

The front forks need to be given a good once over, seals oil and the likes.

I realise this is a bit of a mission and my question is, would I be better to try and source some second hand ones, or is it worth having a crack at doing them?

My ability to get these in to bits and back together is not an issue, but I have never done it before and would appreciate any tips or help on this.

Cheers :)

[Alive]

Someone?? anyone??

[FROSTY]

They arent exactly overcomplicated forks so I say go for it.
Id check em for corrossion first cos otherwise you could be totally wasting your time

[Alive]

They look to be in good condition from the outside.... so I imagine they are still ok inside too, there is no leak. I reckon the fluid and seals just need replacing.

Cheers :)

[rogson]

Not a difficult job - go for it!
I suspect they are the damper rod type?
On this assumption the rod can be released by removing the screw at the bottom of the fork leg (underneath where the axle goes).
Trickiest job is putting in new seals without damaging them. I have a drift(made from a wooden ruler) that I use to tap them (carefully and patiently) in with. Alternatively, depending on the diameters of the slider and leg you might be able to use a piece of PVC pipe/tubing that slides over the inner tube but inside the outer tube
Use genuine Yamaha seals if you can get them - they seem to be better quality (for this service) than standard industrial ones.
If you don't know how much and what viscosity of fork oil to use, put in 10W until around 120mm from top of slider (with spring out and slider bottomed in leg). Pump slider up and down a few times to remove air - you'll know when you've got it out.

Good luck

[Alive]

Hey Rogson,

Thanks for that... My mate has already given me the new seals, not sure if they are original or not and I read somewhere to use SAE 10w....

I'll let you know how I get on... Will probably do them this weekend :)